Health science students' time organization and management skills: a cross-disciplinary investigation

One hundred and fifty-four final year health science undergraduates from the disciplines of Medical Radiation Sciences, Speech Pathology and Physiotherapy in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the University of Sydney completed the Australian Time Organisation and Management Scale (ATOMS). Findings identified the strengths and weaknesses of students on the four dimensions included in this analysis. Whilst the results indicated strengths in the area of students' sense of purpose, level of focus and goal-setting ability, areas of weakness were noted, particularly with regard to the use of basic time-management devices (e.g. use of a diary and making lists). How these skills and competences are related to age, gender and discipline is explored. In addition, the degree to which these time-management behaviours can be enhanced (eg with time management intervention programs), the generalizability of the findings to other settings (non-academic), and the development of these skills over time are major issues discussed in the paper.     

The cardiovascular risk after renal transplantation (1): Hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy

Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in end-stage renal failure treated by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Though reduced in renal transplant recipients compared to the dialysis population, an excess cardiovascular mortality is still present after transplantation. The authors are reviewing the main data on mortality in the renal transplant population, focusing on major risk factors: hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy. Chronic immunosuppression is also discussed in this context, as a major determinant of blood pressure elevation after renal transplantation. The presence of these factors and the extent of cardiac and vascular abnormalities in the dialytic patient are closely related to outcomes in the post-transplant period. It is thus mandatory to approach and minimize all these in the dialytic and even predialytic period of chronic renal failure in order to reduce renal transplant mortality in patients with functioning grafts.     

Comparison between leadless and transvenous single-chamber pacemaker therapy in a referral centre for lead extraction

Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology - The aim of the study was to compare the long-term clinical and electrical performance of Micra leadless pacemaker with transvenous...     

Expression analysis of the genes involved in estradiol and progesterone action in human ovarian endometriosis.

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma within extrauterine sites, and it is well known that endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease. The defective formation and metabolism of steroid hormones is responsible for the promotion and development of endometriosis. In the present study we examined the mRNA levels of six enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of estrogen and progesterone--aromatase, 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) types 1, 2 and 7, sulfatase and sulfotransferase--and of the steroid receptors--estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ERalpha, ERbeta) and progesterone receptors A and B (PRAB)--implicated in human ovarian endometriosis. We analyzed 16 samples of ovarian endometriosis and 9 of normal endometrium. The real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that six of the nine genes investigated are differentially regulated. Aromatase, 17beta-HSD types 1 and 7, sulfatase and ERbeta were statistically significantly upregulated, while ERalpha was significantly downregulated, in the endometriosis group compared with the control group. There were no significant differences in 17beta-HSD type 2, sulfotransferase and PRAB gene expression. Our results indicate that, in addition to the previously reported upregulation of aromatase, upregulation of 17beta-HSD types 1 and 7 and sulfatase can also increase the local estradiol concentration. This could thus be responsible for the estrogen-dependent growth of endometriotic tissue. Surprisingly ERalpha was downregulated.     

Comparison of Beautician and Hairdressing Apprentices with Regard To Skin Health and Skin Barrier Function

Hairdressing and beautician apprentices are at high risk of occupational skin diseases. Our objective was to compare the prevalence of skin symptoms and the condition of skin barrier between them at the end of vocational training. We recruited 101 hairdressing and 76 beautician apprentices (overall median age 17 years), who reported their history of skin symptoms through the Croatian translation of the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ-2002) and had their hand skin clinically examined and evaluated with the Osnabrück Hand Eczema Severity Index (OHSI). Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured following the standard procedure. Hairdressing apprentices reported significantly higher prevalence of hand/wrist eczema or urticaria than beautician apprentices (35 % vs 25 %, respectively; P=0.041) and higher severity of current hand eczema [median (range) 1.5 (0–8) vs 0.5 (0–4), respectively; P<0.001] and had higher hand TEWL values in those who washed their hands >20 times a day [median (interquartile range): 24.4 (19.7–33.7) vs 18.8 (15.4–23.2) g/ m²/h, respectively; P<0.001). Hairdressing apprentices had more severe clinical symptoms on the hands, and 83 % of those who reported eczema also reported that exacerbation occurred during practical training in comparison to 38 % of beautician apprentices. Our study is the first to report occupational hand and forearm skin issues in the beautician apprentices and also suggests that more effort is needed to improve training about safety at work, which should be specifically tailored for these two trades.     

消痹灵袋泡剂治疗强直性脊柱炎的临床研究

以消痹灵袋泡剂为治疗组,以消痹灵水煎剂,湿热痹冲剂分别为对照甲,乙组,共治疗强直性脊柱炎８０例。治疗组临床治愈率为２１．４３％,总有效率为９５％。与对照乙组相比具有显著差异,与对照甲组相比无显著差异。说明消痹灵袋光剂疗效明显优于湿热痹冲剂,与消痹灵水煎剂疗效相当。     

转基因泡桐树叶及其花粉毒性与过敏性试验

目的初步探讨转入抗菌肽基因的泡桐树叶及花粉的毒性与致敏性。方法采用最大灌胃量法进行泡桐树叶的急性经口毒性试验;按照化妆品卫生规范方法进行花粉的皮肤变态反应试验;采用滴鼻和腹腔注射途径给予豚鼠花粉,观察致过敏性哮喘反应。结果转基因泡桐树（树叶）对SPF级Wistar雌性和雄性大鼠急性经口LD50均〉10000mg/kg·BW;转基因泡桐树（花粉）对普通级白毛豚鼠皮肤变态反应积分为0,致敏率为0%,致敏强度为弱,未见皮肤变态反应;转基因泡桐树花粉对豚鼠未见明显过敏性哮喘反应。结论转入抗菌肽基因泡桐树叶属实际无毒级,花粉对豚鼠皮肤致敏性与过敏性哮喘反应均为阴性。     

How Do Consumers Perceive Cultured Meat in Croatia,Greece, and Spain?

The meat production industry is one of the leading contributors of greenhouse gas emissions. Cultured meat presents itself as a potential eco- and animal-friendly meat substitute which has the potential to eradicate animal cruelty and reduce both the environmental footprint and the risk of zoonotic illnesses, while delivering a nutrient-dense product. The purpose of this study was to investigate how consumers perceive cultured meat and if the frequency of meat consumption is related to their intention of trying or purchasing cultured meat. Data were collected online in 2020 from Croatia, Greece, and Spain. Among the 2007 respondents, three segments were identified according to meat consumption and variety, plus an a priori identified group of “non-meat eaters”. Sixty percent perceived cultured meat as kind to animals, 57% as unnatural, 45% as healthy and environmentally-friendly, 21% as disgusting, and only 16% as tasty. Although 47% of the respondents had not heard of cultured meat before, 47% would taste it and 41% would purchase it for the same price as conventional meat. This indicates that consumers from Croatia, Greece and Spain might be likely to purchase cultured meat if sold at an affordable price.     

The Picture of Mental Health/Illness in the Printed Media in Three Central European Countries

Even in the era of the Internet, printed media are still among the most frequently identified sources of mental health information. Many studies have shown that this information is frequently negative and contributes to stigmatization of people with mental illness. This international comparative study describes the content of media messages about mental health/illness in terms of stigma in three Central European countries. The study sample comprised all articles pertaining to the topic of mental health/illness (N = 450) identified during five week-long periods in 2007 chosen from the six most widely read newspapers and magazines in each country. The authors used content analysis methods to achieve quantitative and qualitative objectives. More than half of all articles contained negative statements reflecting stigma toward persons with mental illness. Substance abuse disorders are the most frequent mental conditions covered in all three countries (22%), and psychotic disorders are the most stigmatized. Countries significantly differ in length of articles, in the association of aggressive behavior with persons with mental illness, and in the use of a sensationalized style of writing. Coverage of mental health/illness issues differs to some extent across countries but is generally of poor quality. On the basis of the authors' findings, practical recommendations for journalists can be tailored specifically for each country.     

Activation and inhibition of G protein-coupled receptors by cell-penetrating membrane-tethered peptides

Classical ligands bind to the extracellular surface of their cognate receptors and activate signaling pathways without crossing the plasma membrane barrier. We selectively targeted the intracellular receptor-G protein interface by using cell-penetrating membrane-tethered peptides. Attachment of a palmitate group to peptides derived from the third intracellular loop of protease-activated receptors-1 and -2 and melanocortin-4 receptors yields agonists and/or antagonists of receptor-G protein signaling. These lipidated peptides--which we have termed pepducins--require the presence of their cognate receptor for activity and are highly selective for receptor type. Mutational analysis of both intact receptor and pepducins demonstrates that the cell-penetrating agonists do not activate G proteins by the same mechanism as the intact receptor third intracellular loop but instead require the C-tail of the receptor. Construction of such peptide-lipid conjugates constitutes a new molecular strategy for the development of therapeutics targeted to the receptor-effector interface.